Taking the Kids: The quintessential ski town of Breckenridge, Colo.

"And everyone is so friendly and nice," added his daughter, Ava, 11.

Clearly, the picturesque historic mining town of Breckinridge coupled with the big mountain resort run by Vail Resorts can provide an ideal family getaway to enjoy the snow, rather than wallow in its misery at home shoveling, driving and juggling work schedules when school is closed.

(Check out the Taking the Kids Fun in the Snow section to see where else you and your kids can enjoy the snow, (http://www.takingthekids.com/seasonal-travel-tips/fun-in-the-snow-your-guide-to-family-vacations-on-the-ski-ski-slopes-and-beyond/.)

There's also a first-rate ski school, as well as on-mountain day care for infants. No worries either, if one in your gang has special challenges. The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (www.boec.org) offers a variety of programs for people of all abilities using the latest in adaptive equipment and one-on-one instruction. When I was there, blind teens were confidently making their way down the mountain with two BOEC staffers.

On Breckenridge Mountain, you'll likely find blue skies, spectacular mountain vistas and sunshine -- at least some days -- and more than 2,800 acres across five peaks to explore. Check out http://www.gobreck.com/families-breckenridge, which offers insider tips from local families, winter fun for less than $20 and other deals.

Off the mountain, Breckenridge (www.gobreck.com), with a population of about 3,000, offers up plenty of apres activities to suit everyone -- from the giant ice castle, over 9,600 feet, which will last till the end of March, to historic town tours, snowshoeing to the Breckenridge Distillery (www.breckenridgedistillery.com) where parents can get a sample of the award-winning bourbon whiskey while the kids play with the resident pooch to shops and restaurants that welcome both junior foodies and finicky eaters.

"We will accommodate anything within our power," said Stacey Brooks Connolly, owner of the popular Warming Hut restaurant & bar (www.thewarminghutrestaurant.com) on North Main Street. Connolly can serve up gluten free or vegetarian entrees for kids (and grown-ups) junior-sized burgers and mac and cheese or half portions from the sophisticated adult menu (elk medallions, shrimp and grits or hut meatloaf with homemade ketchup, perhaps.) No wonder half the customers at the cozy North Main Street eatery are families.

Need a night out? Sasha and Sophia Zeravkovich had no qualms leaving their 7 and 8 year olds -- not when they were dropping them off for dinner and an evening of fun at Breckinridge's Mountaintop Children's Museum (www.mtntopmuseum.org). For $65 for the two kids (less if there are more in the group), they get dinner from a local Mexican restaurant, the chance to explore the museum and special arts and science projects. "The kids love it and we love getting a break," said Sasha, a Southwest pilot from Maryland. And Museum Director Laura Horvath said they can accommodate families just about any night of the week, even if there are just a couple of kids.

A trip here doesn't have to bust the vacation budget either, with deals like the one from Wyndham Vacation Rentals that can save you 25 percent on a four-night stay (www.wyndhamvacationrentals.com, use the promo code EPIC). Stay Sunday and get 40 percent off that night's stay at Beaver Run Resort (www.beaverrun.com) where kids loved the indoor mini golf and huge arcade.

Come late in the season, starting March 22, to join the month-long Breck Spring Fever festival with more than 40 events both on the mountain and in town -- everything from live concerts, kids' events and special eats -- all while visitors can continue to ski and ride the best spring snow in Colorado.

Because of the altitude (make sure you stay hydrated here!) the snow lasts longer. There are even Easter egg hunts in the snow. Come in April and most places throw in a free night.

"The kids love that the mountain is so big," said Amy Krill, who is from Erie Colorado, skiing here with her 9-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. "They want to conquer it all," she said.

Grown-ups, too, once some of us conquer our fear.

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